CAP 393 Air Navigation: The Order and the Regulations
Section 2 Page 19
SECTION VI INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES
Instrument Flight Rules
28 (1) In relation to flights within controlled airspace rules 29, 31 and 32 shall be the
Instrument Flight Rules.
(2) In relation to flights outside controlled airspace rules 29 and 30 shall be the
Instrument Flight Rules.
Minimum height
29 Without prejudice to the provisions of rule 5, in order to comply with the Instrument
Flight Rules an aircraft shall not fly at a height of less than 1000 feet above the highest
obstacle within a distance of 5 nautical miles of the aircraft unless:
(a) it is necessary for the aircraft to do so in order to take off or land;
(b) the aircraft is flying on a route notified for the purposes of this rule;
(c) the aircraft has been otherwise authorised by the competent authority; or
(d) the aircraft is flying at an altitude not exceeding 3000 feet above mean sea level
and remains clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.
Freddie, See Para 29 (d).
In view of that, the 500 foot rule still applies.